DISH is name given to a medical condition that refers to calcification and bony hardening of ligament areas that are attached to the spine. It is also given the name of Forestier's disease.

DISH may occur with no symptoms and no treatment is required. Mild to moderate pain and stiffness in upper back are the most commonly experienced symptoms in DISH. Lower back and neck may also get affected with this disease. Some individuals experience this disease in other regions like knees, heels, shoulders and elbows. Worsening of this disease leads to progression of the disease which may result in serious complications.

In United States, approximately 19 percent of men and 4 percent of women get affected with this disease. Men more than 50 years of age usually get affected with this disease. Idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is very rarely found in individuals younger than 40 years of age.

There is no proper cure available for the treatment of DISH. Therefore the treatment usually concentrates not only on reducing stiffness and pain associated with idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis but also help in preventing complications and controlling the symptoms in order to stop them from worsening. Treating the primary causes such as diabetes and obesity may slow down or stop the progression of DISH.

Generally pain associated with idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is similar to other joint disorders. Recommended medications may include nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications and acetaminophen like ibuprofen. Corticosteroid injections may be used for treating severe pain.

Surgery may be performed in very rare cases with severe complications. Large bone spurs present in the neck often result in swallowing difficulties which may be removed by performing surgery. Surgery helps in relieving the pressure on the spinal cord.